Volunteer
Work at Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary
An
Enkosini volunteer experience is an absolute must for anyone who is
enthusiastic about wildlife and the environment. Volunteers
participating in the program all have a common ambition to see, feel,
and smell the African bush while developing a practical knowledge of
life in the wild. We guarantee you will leave with a greater knowledge
and understanding of Africa, and a feeling that you have made a positive
contribution to conservation.
From 18
years of age, from all walks of life, and from all over the world,
Enkosini's volunteers have the experience of a lifetime while making a
lasting impact on the environment. We request volunteers commit to a
minimum stay of 2-3 weeks, thus giving the opportunity to become involved
in the daily running of the sanctuary; from wildlife care and release, to
erecting and checking of game fences and everyday reserve maintenance and
management. The maximum stay is negotiable, subject to Enkosini's
satisfaction with the skills offered by each volunteer. Volunteers must
sign an indemnity form, acknowledging and accepting the risks and
consequences of working in Africa.
No
previous experience is required, however all prospective volunteers should
have a love of nature, a positive attitude, a reasonable level of fitness,
a sensitivity and respect for other cultures, a willingness to help and
learn, and a good sense of humour. The sanctuary is run in a spirit of
co-operation between everyone present, and all are expected to give their
best at all times. Volunteers should expect to be dirty and exhausted at
the end of each day! There is no typical day at Enkosini - each brings its
own magical moments, trials and tribulations - all adding to the adventure
and spirit of living and working in Africa. Training is continuous and
will provide a basic and holistic understanding of all aspects of the
bushveld.
As
Enkosini is currently in its start-up phase, volunteers will get to
experience firsthand the beginning of a game reserve and be actively
involved in all aspects of game reserve development and management,
including:
-Mapping of
reserve boundaries
-Erection/maintenance/removal
of fences
-Vegetation
management through fire-breaks/block burning
-Carrying capacities according to reserve size and vegetation
-Species list
of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles
-Anti-poaching
patrols/snare removal/security
-Restoration
and rehabilitation of damaged habitat
-Construction of eco-tourism
facilities, bomas, bridges, and roads
-Educational
outreach with local schools and communities
-Basic
4 x 4 off-road driving skills and vehicle maintenance
-Bush
awareness, first aid and survival techniques
-Rifle
training and safety/target shooting
-Bird, insect,
snake, wildlife and tree identification
-Nature
conservation, fencing and law requirements
-Alien plant
and soil erosion control
-Horse/walking
trail and
bush camp establishment
-Development
of renewable energy system
-Re-introduction
of game and animal husbandry (sporadic)
The
work is unglamorous, but very real and crucial to the success of
Enkosini. At Enkosini, volunteers are an integral part of our
conservation initiative, working to rehabilitate and restore the habitat
to its natural state, thus enabling wildlife to be re-introduced into
the sanctuary where a century ago they would have naturally roamed.
Note: Enkosini
has been involved in an important High Court battle over our 8 lions,
and the lions are currently residing at a different facility pending the
outcome of the case. You can get the full story from the articles
in the News section of our website.
Other
Activities
Relaxation is an important part of the Enkosini experience, and there
will be ample time to explore the beautiful region. Enkosini is a hikers
paradise. Rockpools and waterfalls provide for great swimming, horses
are on standby for exploring the sanctuary, and the Buffelskloof Dam
offers fishing and canoeing. Volunteers also have opportunities to enjoy
sleep-outs in the bush, and experience traditional culture by
overnighting at local homesteads.
For a
change of scenery, the nearest town, Lydenburg, is an hour drive away and
has all the usual amenities including medical clinic, supermarkets,
restaurants, and an Internet cafι. Lydenburg is visited every 4-5 days for
supplies. Volunteers also enjoy side excursions to Kruger National Park,
animal rehabilitation centres, surrounding communities and local schools,
providing a wonderful mix of wildlife and cultural experiences.
Field Conditions
The camp is completely eco-friendly and has been built almost entirely
from rock and other natural materials from the sanctuary. We strive to
maintain harmony with nature by using solar power, fire-driven water
heaters, and paraffin lanterns. Drinking water flows from one of
Enkosinis many natural springs, and there is no permanent electricity
(use of generator when needed). This programme will suit people who
enjoy natural places, simplicity, quiet, and focused practical work.
Accommodation is simple and rustic. Volunteers sleep in comfortable dorm
style rooms, with polycotton linens and shared bathrooms. Couples, friends
or families volunteering together who wish private accommodation may
reserve one of Enkosinis luxury chalets for an additional $195 USD per
person per month. Individuals may reserve a private chalet for an
additional $295 USD per month. These chalets include two queen beds with
percale linens, indoor bathtub, outdoor "safari" shower, and a
private deck overlooking a stunning valley. The morning sunrises are
incredible!
Program Co-ordinators
Program co-ordinators are responsible for each volunteer during their
time at Enkosini from the time of arrival until departure. The project
co-ordinators are the point of contact to allocate work projects, act as
guide and tutor/mentor, and generally look after the volunteers
welfare.
Costs
Volunteer
Contribution:
Up to 4 weeks: $995 USD
Additional weeks: pro-rata basis
The
volunteer contribution covers accommodation, meals, and living expenses
at Enkosini, transport to/from the sanctuary from Johannesburg, and the
training, hands-on experience and supervision that is involved with our
project. The volunteer contribution also includes a 4-day camping safari
to Kruger National Park (all-inclusive, except daily conservation fee),
en route visiting various wildlife rehabilitation projects. Flights and
travel/medical insurance are NOT included. The only additional spending
money required will be for personal purchases (curios, alcohol, soda,
luxury/imported goods, chocolates, sweets, toiletries), social
excursions away from the Sanctuary, and pre/post project travel.
Please
bear in mind that the sooner you apply, the better your chances of
securing your placement!
Dates
2004
dates:
|
Jan 5 Feb 2
Jan 19 Feb 16
Feb 2 Mar 1
Feb 16 Mar 15
Mar 1 Mar 29
Mar 15 Apr 12
Mar 29 Apr 26
Apr 12 May 10
Apr 26 May 24
May 10 Jun 7
May 24 Jun 21
Jun 7 Jul 5 |
Jun 21 Jul 19
Jul 5 Aug 2
Jul 19 Aug 16
Aug 2 Aug 30
Aug 16 Sep 13
Aug 30 Sep 27
Sep 13 Oct 11
Sep 27 Oct 25
Oct 11 Nov 8
Oct 25 Nov 22
Nov 8 Dec 6
Nov 22 Dec 20
|
2005
dates:
|
Jan 3 Jan 31
Jan 17 Feb 14
Jan 31 Feb 28
Feb 14 Mar 14
Feb 28 Mar 28
Mar 14 Apr 11
Mar 28 Apr 25
Apr 11 May 9
Apr 25 May 23
May 9 Jun 6
May 23 Jun 20
Jun 6 Jul 4
Jun 20 Jul 18 |
Jul 4 Aug 1
Jul 18 Aug 15
Aug 1 Aug 29
Aug 15 Sep 12
Aug 29 Sep 26
Sep 12 Oct 10
Sep 26 Oct 24
Oct 10 Nov 7
Oct 24 Nov 21
Nov 7 Dec 5
Nov 21 Dec 19
Dec 5 Jan 2
Dec 19 Jan 16 |
Volunteers should arrive the day before their arranged volunteer period
and make their way to Rockey's of Fourways (www.backinafrica.com).
Rockey's offers single/double/dorm rooms and pick-up from the
Johannesburg International Airport for a small fee. Every other Monday
(per the above schedule), we will pick up/drop off volunteers at
Rockey's at 12PM. Volunteers who do not arrive/depart on schedule are
responsible for their own transport to/from Enkosini.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Visit
www.enkosiniecoexperience.com/FAQs.htm for answers to all of your
volunteer, fundraising, health, safety, and travel questions!
We appreciate your interest in Enkosinis volunteer
program and look forward to hearing from you.
The scenery is stunning, the atmosphere is relaxing,
the living is natural
we would love to have you volunteer with us!
To contact our South African office, write to:
Enkosini
Wildlife Sanctuary/The Lion Foundation
P.O.
Box 1197, Lydenburg 1120, South Africa
Cell:
+27.82.265.5955, Tel/Fax: +27.13.231.7473
E-mail:
enkosini@yahoo.com
To contact our US office, write to:
Enkosini
Wildlife Sanctuary/The Lion Foundation
506
Overlake Drive East, Medina, WA 98039, USA
Tel:
+1.206.604.2664, Fax: +1.425.453.0493
E-mail:
enkosini@yahoo.com
